Best Infant Cribs Isn't As Difficult As You Think

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be 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 adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims cots and tots slats for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. 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 many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this cheap cot bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it 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 best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick 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, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 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 a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.