How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

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

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.