How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for Baby Cot Bed quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while 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 not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best baby cots have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your Baby Crib sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also 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 more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on 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 secured and are not within Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, 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 cheap sale cot beds; daoqiao.net, phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.