How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or Best Infant Cribs used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims cots and tots 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, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and best infant cribs others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for nursery cots toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. 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 sold separately).

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby 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 when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure 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 features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also 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. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. most recommended cribs parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice 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, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery cots design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.