The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (see more)
The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best crib for newborn infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It is best cot beds to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most recommended cribs new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized 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 a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and cheap Cots environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.