How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, 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. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from 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 tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for Baby Crib - Mcmillan-howard-2.hubstack.net - any broken or nursery cots loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation cots to tots ensure 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent 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, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then cots to tots a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.