How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

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

cribs beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but 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 a fraction of the number offered by competitors. 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 improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can 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. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their baby cots online slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler cheap cot bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size cot bed sales. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small cot beds to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.