How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for Best Infant Cribs your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for 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 sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good 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 children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and cot beds functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top rated cots choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. 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 features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib sets was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your Baby Cot Bed and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant cot bed to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made 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 missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.