A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended to select the crib that has been certified and tested 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 ensure that there aren't any chemical or other 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 and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like 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. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.
