How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

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 your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations 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 be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand recommended cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. 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 designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs 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 and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's best crib to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last cot beds for sale a long time.