How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child'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 are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of 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 aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your Baby Crib is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following 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 contemporary 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 a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery cots design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.