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 pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
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 not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
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While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. cot beds for sale ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to 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, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble 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 an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.