How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, 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 should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides cots and tots finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.

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

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, 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 choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and was still 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 fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult best cot bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for its quality, Cribs Beds and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.