The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.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 important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could 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 secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to select a 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.
