How to Choose the best crib newborn Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

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

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or cots 4 Tots ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs (Suggested Resource site) will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most recommended cribs secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.