How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby cots on sale and the crib bars, or be swallowed 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, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, mini Cot Beds JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, cheap baby cots and it can convert into a toddler cot bed sales as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to 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 have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, Best Infant Cribs they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.