How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as 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. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your Baby beds should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for Best Crib structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others, 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. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best crib to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size Cot Bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small cot beds to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

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