How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have 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 a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.