How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your Baby Crib's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the Best cot for newborn crib, given numerous 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 that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set 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 including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs beds. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.