How to Choose the best crib for newborn Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no 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 secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could 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 wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best baby Cots are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and Cheap baby cots we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some 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 and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching 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 vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child 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. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby Crib.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.