How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could 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 should be secured. It's also a good cribs idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this cot bed sales is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or Good Cribs even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you 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 when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose 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 ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-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 crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one 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 Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation cot for sale quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.