How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for 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 most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep 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 harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards cot for sale structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure 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 chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your Baby Crib. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top recommended cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally 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 a toddler bed and finally a larger Mini Cot Bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great crib reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

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