How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set 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 other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't 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 safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, Best crib for newborn meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It is best cot newborn to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy 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 safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable 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 an attribute that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your Baby Cot's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select 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 that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also 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 environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.