How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek 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 out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or 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. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby cots on sale.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that 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 have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion 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 comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good cribs idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that 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 one of the best crib-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to 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 an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.