How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The best crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery cots of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib 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 details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your Baby Crib's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for Best infant cribs your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery cots.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

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

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for cribs babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.