How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like 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 are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry cots to tots receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler cheap cot bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

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 consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs - Read Home - will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best cot beds to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable 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 convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.