How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed 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 comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib sets on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. 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 as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and best Infant cribs allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most recommended cribs secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that 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 gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.