How to Choose the best infant cribs (discover here)

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and infant Cot bed other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

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

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

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition cots and tots it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see 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 makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and infant cot bed (Bbs.theviko.com) requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

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

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

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

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.