How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. Baby Cot has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. Baby Cot is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.