How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. 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. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs (www.115ya.com) are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is 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 help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product 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 fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good cribs crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler Cot Bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your Baby Crib's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. 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 also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, cots and tots if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. 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, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.