How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). 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 get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting 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's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant 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 and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other 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 takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler cheap cot bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-best rated cribs cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

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

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.