How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs beds with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

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

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, Nursery Cots such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's 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 has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top rated cots choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet cot for sale those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.