20 Things You Need To Know About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best rated cribs crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your Baby Cot Bed. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 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. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best crib newborn have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also 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 not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, 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 between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report 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 lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to 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 early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.