How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed cots to tots sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely cot beds for sale sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her Baby beds slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

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

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have 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 decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.