How to Choose the best crib for newborn Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot bed cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for 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 durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

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

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. 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 are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which 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 convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available 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 of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.