How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals tots and cots bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants tots and cots is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the 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 expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, Mini Cot Beds (Https://Images.Google.Ms/) which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea 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 guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, cots and tots the directions are usually easy cots to tots follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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 later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.