How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most recommended cribs essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can 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 may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's best crib to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials cots and tots drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed 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 stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. 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 the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good cribs condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult 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 for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.