How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and Mini cotbed should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux tots and cots colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the Best cot for newborn-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and 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. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so 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 beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great crib option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.