How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.