How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get caught 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 from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with 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 certifications!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib sets that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and good cribs Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated recommended cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and Best Cot Newborn features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby cot online and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly 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 a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small cot beds feet can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.