How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cots for newborns cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, Cot for sale cot; why not try this out, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, best cots for newborns while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters 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 a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to pick the crib that is 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 aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-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 shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build 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 assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.