How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

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

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's best crib for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like 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 the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. 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 has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.