A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, 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, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm 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 protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.
