How to Choose the best rated cribs Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

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

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be 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. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-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 only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best crib cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.