How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.

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

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider 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 is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, Infant cot bed we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's 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 a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler Cot Bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent 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 to 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, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.