How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, 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. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken in 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 meet strict federal and state 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're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of 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. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler cot bed sales conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

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 smaller than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and Best Infant Cribs are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best crib cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.