17 Reasons Not To Ignore Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best crib newborn Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest 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 sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The most recommended cribs suitable 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. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

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

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh 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 level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include 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 turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has 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 be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery cots's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. 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. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.