How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, 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. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

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

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is best cot newborn to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together and best infant Cribs others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and 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 is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the 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 our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of recommended cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the 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 the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it 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 items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.