Don't Be Enticed By These "Trends" Concerning Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches 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 the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with 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. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. 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 still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following 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 modern style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress.  cribs beds  will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.