How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby’s crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby’s crib that 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). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs – www.cots4tots.co.uk, are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It’s crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you’re purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The crib’s slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Finally, don’t purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it’s not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it’s able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it’s not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It’s important to note, however it’s more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby’s crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It’s also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby’s crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it’s simple 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 those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn’t come with an additional mattress, which you’ll need to purchase separately. But it’s a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest 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 tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby’s reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it’s crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It’s made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery’s theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It’s constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.