How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child’s crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to sleep in your baby’s crib. These items could easily fall between your baby’s crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they’re third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They’re also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they’ll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s crucial to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib’s slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It’s best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Finally, don’t purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren’t safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best crib combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn’t as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It’s also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It’s worth noting, though it’s more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn’t fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler cot bed sales when your child is no longer using it. It’s also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby’s crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it’s easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn’t have any confusing parts or pieces. The crib’s sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It’s a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it’s durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to 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 safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby’s reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cot bed infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn’t require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler’s bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first 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 range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery’s theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it’s constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). 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 option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.