Dewayne Fleming

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn recommended cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and best rated cribs should be avoided. Other features, such as 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 a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best infant cribs combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

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

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm 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 that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.