10 Things Everybody Has To Say About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial 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 highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your Baby Cot Bed's crib. They could 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 of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights tots and cots wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best crib for newborn-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

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

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or infant cot bed above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.