Best Infant Cribs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby’s crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby’s crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby’s crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for Cots4Tots structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they’ll grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you’re purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

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

It’s also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Finally, don’t purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, 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 intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It’s also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It’s also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed 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 is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and isn’t as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It’s also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It’s worth noting, however, that it’s more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it’s important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn’t able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it’s a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby’s crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it’s easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn’t include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib’s sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby’s reach.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn’t require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of 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 replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It’s designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery’s theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.