How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.
It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one 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 the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If cot sets is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It 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 government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.