How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your best baby cots's crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. 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 grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your cheap baby cots for sale, 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 which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent 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 features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make 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 usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant Cot Bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.