How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could 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 meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your Baby Cot.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.

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

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive 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 the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs (recommended site) will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for Tots And Cots finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like 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 buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.