How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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 that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best rated cribs infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, 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!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as durable as our other options.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs 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 choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and cot Sale GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the Baby Crib's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and 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 is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, Mini cot beds CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.