How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

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

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety 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 drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with 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. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your cheap baby cots for sale. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or cots offers (Internet Page) a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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 a toddler cheap cot bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.