How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult 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 highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best cot newborn are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. 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 also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top rated cots choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the cost. 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time 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 full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size cheap cot bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and great Crib (twizax.org) is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.