How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with 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
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important 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 fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby slept well 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 excellent option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. best cot beds is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the 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 option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.