How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level 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 a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of baby cots on sale (try these out).

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs beds, we also consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. most recommended cribs parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger Cot Bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.