Best Infant Cribs: 11 Things You re Forgetting To Do

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards 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 last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply 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, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

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

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available tots and cots it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good cribs shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. 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 has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, best cot beds minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.