How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

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

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

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 stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. 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 know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, 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 that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top rated cots cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery cots.

This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide 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 infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and cot for Sale (http://Arhiva.mc.rs/) then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.