How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your Baby Crib. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your Baby Cot. They could slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

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

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for Small cot beds 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 chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.