How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest 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, be 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child’s needs.

Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s crucial to choose a crib that meets today’s rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It’s also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don’t buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It’s not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and it’s not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic 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 a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It’s important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it’s vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It’s also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby’s sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it’s easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn’t contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It’s a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn’t come with mattress. You’ll need to buy one separately. It’s a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it’s important to find one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant 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 your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm 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, 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. The only thing that’s missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.