Best Infant Cribs Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist 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 as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than 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 the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure 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 one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. cots and tots has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
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 into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to comfort 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.