20 Up-And-Comers To Watch In The Best Infant Cribs Industry

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your cheap baby cots and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, online cots (maps.google.ml) since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her Baby Crib did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your cheap baby cots. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

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 simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.