Best Infant Cribs: 11 Things You re Forgetting To Do

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, Best Crib Newborn dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

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

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your Baby beds sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cots for newborns infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant'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 in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler 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 with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.