How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. 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 slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is best cots for newborns to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks 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 height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, most Recommended cribs which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

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

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable cots, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.