How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery cots. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or accept 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

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best cot newborn are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and Best Cot Beds daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your Baby beds. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small cot beds parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.