How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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 get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should be 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 must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and Best Infant Cribs finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which 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 sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended cribs to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your Baby beds. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

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

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib sets has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as 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 an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.