How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as 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. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. mini cotbed tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older 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 must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. 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 relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available 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 made 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 lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.