How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most recommended cribs essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm 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 that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, best baby Cots meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the 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, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top ranked cribs choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances 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 not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great crib choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.