How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It's best crib to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating 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. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs beds. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that 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 features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails cots to tots pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.