How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and best cots mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb cot beds for sale your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.