Best Infant Cribs: 11 Thing You re Forgetting To Do

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. 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 that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot beds cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs (linked web site) will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also 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 ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and Cots To Tots was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to 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 be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso 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 far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.