How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best rated cribs infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, 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 certs!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could 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 safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any cheap cot beds baby cots on sale cots (sting3d.xyz) product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's a good idea 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 that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.