How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib sets with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby cot online should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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 secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer together, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs, Read More Listed here, will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. 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 has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs beds. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that 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. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.