How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get 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 meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that 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 real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while 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 a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see 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 between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's Cot Bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

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