How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your cheap baby cots. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler Cot Bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux 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 to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best crib for newborn cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and 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 theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.