How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger 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 trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along 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 could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like 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. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared cots to tots smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow tots and cots Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. 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 baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the Baby Cot's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until 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 beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

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 that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great crib reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.