How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your Baby Cot Bed's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

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 a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your Baby Cot sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs (click the next page) will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. 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 features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child cots and tots soothe 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 protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.