How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and [Redirect Only] quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. 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 Mini Cot Bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby cot online which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 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 note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation 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. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, Affordable Cots or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib sets is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.