How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces 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, including no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children 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 banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

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

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and 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 at the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

best crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed 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 an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

best cot beds do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 exceeds government standards such as 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 an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.