How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be 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. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making 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 worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby cots on sale slept well and that the crib was still in good cribs shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or Best Infant Cribs toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby cot online and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cot bed cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and Best Infant Cribs is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.