How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

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

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important cots to tots know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend 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 contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.