How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

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 essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best baby cots cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand Best Infant Cribs new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned 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 numerous design variations. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height 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 an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended to select a crib which has been certified and tested 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 are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top rated cots-best rated cribs cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's 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 a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand Best Infant Cribs with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cots cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort 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 protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.