How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby cots on sale'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, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken in 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 standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand 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 not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

cribs beds come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate 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 occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Good Cribs Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler Mini Cot Bed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can 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 utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and good cribs JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.