17 Reasons You Shouldn t Ignore Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some 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 picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, 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 an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

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

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes 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, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and 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's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.