How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib for newborn crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows 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 are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy 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 must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive 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 design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress 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 mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the 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 choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere 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 include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need cot for sale special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.