How to Choose the best crib newborn Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, good cribs they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, cots and tots some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after 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 style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality cots and tots comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.