How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal 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 last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. 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 be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, infant Cot bed which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices 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 height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress 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 once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. 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 parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white 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 far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for cot beds (Orzon.uz) those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.