How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets 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. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed 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 laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

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

Style

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

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery cots. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best cot bed to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized Cot Bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great crib reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins 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 missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.