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 newborn crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

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 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant cot bed to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, cheap cot bed (https://fewpal.Com) and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

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