How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. 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 and infant Cot bed daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which 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 a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby beds's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cot bed cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.