How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your Baby Cot Bed and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and Best Infant Cribs shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with 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 an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, Best Infant Cribs but it is durable and has many options to make up the price. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size cheap cot bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like 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 looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.