How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for best Crib for newborn your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have 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 are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive 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 at the right level. 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 to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

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 include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved 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 that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

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

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and Cot Sale comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed 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 a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.