How to Choose the best Infant cribs (glamorouslengths.com)

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other 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 takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might 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 picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow 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 after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

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

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler Mini Cot Bed, a daybed or a full-size cheap cot bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.