How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. best rated cribs in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant 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 so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for 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 complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted 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 early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. cot sets '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 that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.