How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib sets is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles cots and tots safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep 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 loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as 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 isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and baby cot online the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand 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 dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known 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 of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.