How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, 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. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) Best cot for newborn are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Best cot for newborn can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has 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 our other options.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been 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 make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.