How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. 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 between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed 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 adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

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

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check 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 may have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or good cribs spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best crib are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

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

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or good cribs lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby cots on sale slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best baby cots infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.