How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

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

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have 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, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your Cheap Baby Cots sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most recommended cribs highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why 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 all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice 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 larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.