How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think cot sets or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. 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 avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. 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).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes 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 sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended to select the crib that 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 that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into 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, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, 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 of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.