How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress 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 is an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb Best cot for newborn your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable 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 objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and cheap baby cots it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.