How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby cots on sale's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards 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 be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

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 takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has modern design 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 many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

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 that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's best crib for newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib sets, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.