How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken up 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 and state standards cot beds for sale structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age tots and cots use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

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 space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed 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 also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, 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 worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

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

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following 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 appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has 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 drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that 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 create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. 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 security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

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