How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could 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. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.
Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child 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 parts. If something is hanging above or below their 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 should be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.