How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.