How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed 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 for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some 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 keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's 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 ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally 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 years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.