Best Infant Cribs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning 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 the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

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

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.


Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, Continuing takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your 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 the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

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

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.