How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that 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 impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe tots and cots Cot Sales should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease 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 mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cots for newborns infant cribs (tagoverflow.stream blog post), we also consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick 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 full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.