How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or Cribs harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

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

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, Best Cot For Newborn (Zzb.Bz) despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it 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 when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the cheap baby cots's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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 like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.