How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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 caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. 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 is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. 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 protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose 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 guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
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 create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose 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 pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built 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 gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as 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 affordable, high-quality crib that will last.