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How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns. Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design. Safety When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress. The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. best crib for newborn adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child. It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child. The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components. It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons. Style While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others—like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents. One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes. Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately). Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices. The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit. Adjustable Mattress Height When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation. A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby. Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery. The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler. No dangling or chewable parts The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in 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 ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow. It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress. The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme. Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors. This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.