How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby cots on sale and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards 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 expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

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

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

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby Crib.

In addition to the security features of our best crib for newborn cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice cot For Sale those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.