How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items 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 not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or Best Infant Cribs stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you 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 crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

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 a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, Best Infant Cribs it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best rated cribs-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative cot for sale her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

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

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.