How to Choose the best crib for newborn Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet 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 humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most Good cribs (images.google.td) will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. 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.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, Baby Beds or a full-size cot bed sales. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

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