How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your Baby Cot's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and 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 positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to 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. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs beds that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level 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 that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, best Crib newborn which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

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 so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized 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 converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making 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 beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

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