10 Things You've Learned In Kindergarden Which Will Help You With Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats 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. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept an older 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

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer than others, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top ranked cribs cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

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

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple cots and tots easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed 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, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for cot bed sales parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from 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 missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.