Let Your Baby Rest Easy Beneath the Best Crib Canopies
Once a child turns 1 year old, they’re on the move. They hardly sit still, crawling onto tables, stairs, and chairs. Before you know it they’ll start climbing out of their cribs, which can be quite dangerous, especially if you’re sleeping and unaware.
The good news is that you can control your baby's jailbreak skills with a crib canopy. Crib canopies prevent toddlers from climbing out of their cribs and keep newborn babies safe from the reach of toddlers and pets in the house. Finding a decent crib canopy that meets your needs can be tricky. With so many options available online, it can feel overwhelming to try to choose the right one for your little one. This is why we’ve rounded up the top-rated crib canopies of 2024 so you can choose the one that offers your little one maximum protection.
Buying Guide: Crib Canopy
There are many positives to a crib canopy. They keep pets out of your baby’s crib; they protect your baby from other siblings while they’re trying to sleep; and they keep your toddler’s sleep area clean and free from bugs. However, buying the right canopy for your baby’s crib can be a headache. To help you, we’ve put together this comprehensive buyer’s guide with all the essential information you need to know. Let’s dive in!
Top Features of a Crib Canopy
Fabric
Crib canopies are made from a variety of materials, including mesh, netting fabric, and satin. Mesh and netting fabric are the most breathable, while satin is heavier and thicker.
Assembly
Look for crib covers that don’t require any tools to set up, otherwise you will spend hours trying to figure out how to assemble it. We recommend choosing a pop-up design.
Foldability or portability
If you’re a frequent traveler and want to take your little one with you, look for a foldable canopy that’s lightweight. It should fold into a compact shape so you can easily slip it into your carry-on bag or backpack.
Safety features
Look for safety features such as attachment style, fasteners, and ribbons. Also, ensure that the canopy goes all the way under the mattress so that your toddler won’t be able to sneak out.
Size
Some canopies are only fit for cribs and toddler beds while others are designed for pack ‘n plays. It’s important to measure the crib first and filter your searches accordingly.
How To Keep Your Baby Safe in Their Crib
Remove items from the crib
If your toddler is an escape artist, try removing toys and other items from the crib. Toddlers often look for things that they can use as a step — like stuffed animals, blankets, books, pillows, and toys — to try to escape from their crib.
Relocate the crib
If one side of your baby’s crib is higher than the other, move the crib so that the lower side faces the wall and the higher side faces the room.
Lower the mattress
You can also lower the matter to keep your toddler from reaching up and climbing out. Additionally, ensure that there’s no furniture near the crib that could act as a foothold.
Get a sleep sack
Sleepsacks or wearable blankets are not only cozy but also prevent toddlers from putting their legs over the side of their crib. This zippered sack keeps your toddler in place.
To keep your baby’s rest time as peaceful as possible, make sure the crib canopy you choose doesn’t leave loose fabric in the crib, as this can be hazardous. For some more safe sleep tips, check out this video from the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters:
Perks of Getting a Crib Canopy
Keeps your baby safe
The first and the most obvious benefit of a crib canopy is that it prevents toddlers from falling out of their crib. Canopies can prevent serious injuries to the head and neck.
Safety from insects
Insects like mosquitoes, flies, yellow jackets, and bugs are annoying and can be potentially dangerous for infants since they can transmit diseases and cause allergies. Crib tents keep these pesky bugs away from your baby.
Pets
These handy crib tents also keep pets and their fur away from your sleeping infant, allowing your baby to enjoy their sleep undisturbed.
Comparing the Top Crib Canopies of 2024
Pro Baby Safety Crib Canopy – Best Overall
You won’t find a better crib canopy with a double tie design and auto-lock zipper than this one by Pro Baby Safety. This handy crib canopy prevents babies from falling out of the crib and it makes sure that they don’t get stuck between the rails. Featuring two additional built-in ribbons on every corner for added protection, this crib canopy allows your baby to sleep peacefully at night. Plus, you can rest easy knowing they’re safe and sound.
What’s more, this crib canopy’s durable mesh is made of high-quality materials. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and BPA-free, so your little one can enjoy a good night’s sleep in a safe environment. Unlike other alternatives that have sharp edges, this canopy features a thick satin base with flexible netting that’s gentle on the skin, making it our best overall choice.
Pros
- Comes in four different designs
- See-through, breathable mesh
- Phthalate and lead-free
Cons
- The fabric is too thin
L RUNNZER Baby Crib Canopy – Most Durable
Weighing only 3.6 pounds and featuring an upgraded mesh along with sturdy and durable zippers, this crib tent by L RUNNZER keeps your little angel safe. This crib net has a large opening that offers you a clear view of your infant and allows you to easily place your baby in the crib or take them out. Featuring a four-sided arch design and built-in ribbon binding on all sides, this canopy offers enhanced durability and security.
Apart from offering the highest security, this net also has excellent air flow and circulation thanks to its airy design. But don’t be fooled by its soft fabric; this baby crib canoy’s dense and small mesh holes give this crib tent unparalleled strength.
Pros
- Comes in seven unique colors
- Easy-to-setup pop-up design
- Smooth zipper for quiet opening
Cons
- Isn’t completely see-through
KinderSense Crib Canopy – Safest Choice
The crib tent by KinderSense is specifically designed to protect babies from dangers that other nets fail to offer protection from. This handy crib canopy features a snug fit to keep your little ones safe in their crib while they sleep. You won’t have to worry about the net collapsing or inverting and suffocating your baby thanks to this canopy’s precise geometry.
Made of high-quality and sturdy materials, this crib canopy ensures your child’s safety. What’s more, its durable build is sure to last for years to come. The soft satin mesh is gentle on your little one’s skin and the YKK locking zippers open quietly without disturbing your toddler’s sleep.
Pros
- Available in two patterns
- Features 100% cotton fiber straps
- Zipper opens from the outside
Cons
- Might be difficult to fold
LOAOL Kids Crib Canopy – Best Design
Transform your kid’s bedroom into a stunning palace and add some pillows to make it the perfect place for sleeping during the night or day. This canopy is the ideal fit for play area rugs, baby cradles, and toddler beds. It has a large opening to insert the mattress in and the fabric is quite soft to touch.
What makes this crib canopy stand out is its design, which perfectly blocks out glaring light and offers a cozy sleeping and playing environment despite its large opening. Having a total length of 96.5 inches and a height of 19.7 inches, this crib canopy can accommodate toddlers as well.
Pros
- Comes in several color choices
- Made of durable, soft polyester fabric
- Makes an exquisite decoration
Cons
- Adhesive patch is a bit weak
SnoozeShade Travel Crib Canopy – Travel-Friendly
Want to take your baby with you when you go camping? This crib canopy easily fits travel cribs and portable cribs while offering superior air-permeability. We love how easy this canopy is to install. All you have to do is throw it over the crib and attach the straps to the crib frame.
What’s more, this canopy allows parents to adjust the incoming light according to their baby’s needs by raising or lowering the side panels to adjust the light levels. Plus, this canopy is super lightweight, very compact, and can easily fit into your carry-on, making it the perfect travel companion.
Pros
- Blocks 94% of light
- Award-winning blackout design
- Weighs only 2 pounds
Cons
- Not compatible with Pack ‘n Play
People Also Asked
A: Crib canopies create a dreamy feel and most toddlers love them. However, certain canopies — such as cot canopies — can be quite dangerous, posing a risk of strangulation. Crib canopies, on the other hand, are very safe with some even safety-tested and certified.
A: Never hang heavy picture frames or mirrors over a crib. Also, do not use ribbons or long strings when decorating the canopy to avoid the chance of strangulation.
A: No. Toddlers are very curious and may climb out of their crib. If the window is open, they could easily climb up to the sill and fall out. If you have a window nearby, we recommend installing window guards for added security and safety.
