How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most recommended cribs essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last cots and tots convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for Mini cotbed any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. 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 chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also 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 child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.