How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. 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 certs!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

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

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might 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 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and Best Infant Cribs maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best crib have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, top rated cots (https://sovren.Media) and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or Best Infant Cribs a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant cot bed's Cot Bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top rated cots choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and 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 set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.