How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys 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 bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It is best 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 accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, 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, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the 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 organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

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

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It has a good reputation 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 is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.