20 Things You Must Be Educated About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best crib newborn Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best cots for newborns are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler small cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs [get more info] will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for 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 best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for 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 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 has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to buy one 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 Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.