How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
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 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 sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be sustainable 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 rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older 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
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. best rated cribs ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
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 off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a 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 your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort 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 of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.