How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. recommended cribs to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But 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 have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
most recommended cribs will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.