How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements 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 tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on 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. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. cot beds for sale will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good 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, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.