How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the Best cot for newborn crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

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

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs beds may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around 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 raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure 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 minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top ranked cribs pick for a 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, or a full-size Cot Bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and Baby Cot comfort them. It also has a great 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. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all 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 who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.