How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your Baby Cot Bed that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and Baby Crib slats for broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many 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. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. 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 has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your Baby beds. This is a chic design to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs 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 tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. 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 not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an 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 an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top ranked cribs-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.