A Rewind What People Talked About Best Infant Cribs 20 Years Ago

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most recommended cribs essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, Recommended Cribs toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, 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 the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. most recommended cribs good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.