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 best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

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

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and Mini Cot Bed the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 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 just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might 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 choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It can, for instance, 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 utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant cot bed to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white 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 the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.