How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has 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 must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

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

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. nursery cots 's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's 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 choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.


A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib which has been 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 aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features 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 numerous features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.