10 Inspiring Images About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy 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 safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see Baby Crib, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs (Maanation.com) will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's best cot newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, sale cot a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.