How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal 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!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs (relevant resource site) will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. 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 has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby cots online. This is a chic design to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult Mini Cot Bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.