How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for top ranked cribs a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe cots and tots should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe 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.

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

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 baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable 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 has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most 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 a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.