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How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be no 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 an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include 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 shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your 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, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your Baby Cot Bed's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or Best Cot Newborn toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range 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 gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small cot beds feet can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.