How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned 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 chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby cots on sale, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top ranked cribs selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby cots online's crib mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler Cot Bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size 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 great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which 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 Tots And cots environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.