How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, 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 also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report 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.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size 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 later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. Cot Bed is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. Read Full Report , minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.