How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They 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 infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

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

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, Baby Beds but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn 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 approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or best crib newborn a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it 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. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and online cots are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.