How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for good cribs a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items 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. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get 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 adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or Good Cribs CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or Cot Sales 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

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which 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 make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into 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 to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small cot beds hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great crib option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.