How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no 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. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, Best Infant Cribs are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it's not as durable as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after 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 little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler Mini Cot Bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, Best Infant Cribs and is available in white, cherry 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 like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.