How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets 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. They could get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. 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 utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.