How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend 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 to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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 larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cot bed cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended cribs to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best crib-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.