How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations 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're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

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

It is best rated cribs to stay clear of cribs beds that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

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

Other cribs have more traditional designs like 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 less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged 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, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your Baby Crib from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say 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.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It has a good cribs reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.