How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best cots crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the Best cot for newborn-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

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

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, tots and cots later a full-size mattress.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It is renowned 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 government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.