How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby’s nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek 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 bigger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they’re tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child’s needs.

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 may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib’s slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It’s an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It’s also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Finally, don’t purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren’t safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib isn’t designed to be used for toys or clothes. It’s designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It’s also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it’s able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition’s number. It’s not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and cots4Tots all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It’s also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It’s important to note, however it’s more costly than our other top choices 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 prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating 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 come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it’s recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren’t any chemicals or finishes in your baby’s sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it’s easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn’t include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For instance, 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 that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn’t have a mattress, which you’ll need to purchase separately. However, it’s a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child’s needs from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren’t in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It’s important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant’s bed, and later 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 months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It’s made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that’s missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.