How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best crib have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby cot online which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most recommended cribs secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or Baby Crib a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.