How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your Baby Cot and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib 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 many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed tots and cots daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your best baby cots. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is 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. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes 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 is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.