How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies 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 requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and Cheap Cot bed the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional 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

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated recommended cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features to make up for the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. most recommended cribs parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as 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 an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.