10 Things Everyone Hates About Best Infant Cribs Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best crib cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer 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 consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs (Read the Full Write-up) will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your Baby beds outgrows 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 that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.