How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We 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 sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

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

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some 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.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect 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 comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified 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 not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

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 shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or Best Infant Cribs become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in 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. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

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

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size cot bed sales. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds 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 an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable cots crib that will last.