How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or Cot Sales stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

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

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. 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 to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others 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 and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery cots. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby cot online, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for good cribs safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. For instance, it can 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 like a womb for your Baby beds and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or good cribs above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, Cot Sets and full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including 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 who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.