How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety 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. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby cot online.

The crib's slats 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 secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's 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).

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler Mini Cot Bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

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

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large 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's 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 small cot beds parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.