How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights 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. Avoid placing any objects 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 that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of 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. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose a crib that has been 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 make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

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 parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.