How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, Cot Beds including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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. 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 get stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow 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. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly 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 is important that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. 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 simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your Baby Crib. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be the most recommended cribs expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.