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 one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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 can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose 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 secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape 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 appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also 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 environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. great crib is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.