A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.
Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.
