How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

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. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up 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 adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 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 damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is 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 help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best cot bed have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which 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 that it has been tested cots to tots ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted 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 more like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab 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 decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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 comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.