How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from 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 safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. 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 a lot of 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. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best cot newborn combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs (Infozillon.Com) will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler cheap cot bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant cot bed sales, 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 with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of 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 missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.