How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your Baby Cot Bed's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and 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. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or Cot Beds pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the 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 all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place 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 are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as 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, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and good cribs reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this Cot Bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that 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 pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

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

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small cot beds feet can reach 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 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 not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.