How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

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

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep 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 damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while 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 a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range 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 is low-profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.