How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great crib alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or Best Crib hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby beds.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good 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 of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.