How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

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

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.