How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive assistance 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 are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider 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 feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler cot bed sales conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually 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 will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger Mini Cot Bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds 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 an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib sets that will last.