How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cot bed cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older 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 variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, 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 pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and 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, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could 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 that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or best rated Cribs daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby Cot Bed's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size Mini Cot Bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including 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 looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.