Best Infant Cribs Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best cots for newborns are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy 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 allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs [check out your url] will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization 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 any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

This crib sets does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top rated cots infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by 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 put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

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 to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available 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 government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.