How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
recommended cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which 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 available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). most recommended cribs exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.