How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. 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 use and clean 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 important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or Good Cribs clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous 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 permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. 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.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 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, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, Best cot for Newborn so petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, good cribs natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.