Best Infant Cribs: It s Not As Expensive As You Think

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your Baby beds. This includes blankets, pillows cots and tots sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

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

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor best baby cots space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality 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 also has a canopy that can be used cots to tots create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are 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 simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, cots and tots later a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.