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 particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. 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 larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.


The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. good cribs are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. cheap cots is a chic touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly 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.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.