How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your Baby Crib's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding 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 durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like 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 isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for 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 mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also 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 make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. For instance, 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 also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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 a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, tots and cots JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.