How to Choose the best crib Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

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

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

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

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need 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 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for Best Baby Cots your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.