How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery cots. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety 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 baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby cots on sale should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken up 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, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop 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 different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

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

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for best crib large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has 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 many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also 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 womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.