How to Choose the best crib for newborn Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could 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. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. 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 mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A good crib will have adjustable slats 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 a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's a good idea 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 it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs beds do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for Best cot Bed petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.