The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which 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. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. 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 level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make 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.
This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.
