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 best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your Baby beds's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cots cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, Best Cots it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. most recommended cribs 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's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that is 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 complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

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

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed 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 not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.