How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby cots online, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler Mini Cot Bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. 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 one of the top rated cots cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models 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 following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made 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 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 want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.