How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken up 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 laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and isn't as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.