How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cots for newborns cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware 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 have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of stylme with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your Baby Cot sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

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

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.