How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for 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, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

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

The best infant cribs (maps.google.cat site) are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop 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, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant 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 get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best crib newborn have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery cots spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your Baby Crib. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small cot beds to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.