How To Outsmart Your Boss With Best Infant Cribs How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid top ranked cribs , stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get caught 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, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning 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 buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity 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 prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant 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 height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other options.


The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after 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 is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, 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.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned 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 of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.