How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among 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 has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

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

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

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

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. 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 turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified 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 is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple 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 said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. 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 womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to comfort 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 safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like 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 purchase it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.