How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys 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. These items could easily fall into or be trapped 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 of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards 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 sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to alle via te reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures 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 suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.