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 pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

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

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations 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 are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler cot bed sales or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby cot online, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler Mini Cot Bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most Good Cribs (Lovewiki.Faith) will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the price. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud crib sets, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into 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.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe 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 safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.