How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib (click hyperlink), given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or Recommended cribs buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that is 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 make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet tots and cots has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant cot bed to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.