How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can 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 new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, 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 safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended 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 registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present 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 crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cot newborn cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice 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 made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.