How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from 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 to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and Cot Bed family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs (right here on Blogbright), we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 government standards 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 an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.