How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It's best cots for newborns to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler Cot Bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has 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 also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe Baby beds which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, cots and tots 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 shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.