How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable tots and cots reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is best crib newborn to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small cot beds to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for baby Cots on sale - ambitenergy.com, those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.