How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

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

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert 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's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and Best Infant Cribs reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best cot bed to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best cot newborn-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a toddler cot bed sales or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, Best Infant Cribs which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. 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 pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another excellent choice 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 and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

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