Best Infant Cribs: 11 Thing You're Leaving Out

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping 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 blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

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

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be 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. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib.  best cots for newborns  as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA.  best cots uk  not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.