Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're 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'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose a 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 that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most recommended cribs cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. 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 an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.