How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for Mini cotbed cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. 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, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require 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 is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the 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 the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick 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 into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size Cot Bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 Cheap cots phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.