How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the Best cot for newborn crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cots for newborns cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, Baby Cot which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It can be easily converted into an infant cheap cot bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.