How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of 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 a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and cots4Tots.co.uk functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also 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 a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.