How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches 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. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be 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 adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security 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, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only 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 enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include 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. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant 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 from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items 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 cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good 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 safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.