How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck 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 from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mini cotbed the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or Online Cots pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but 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 we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. 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 improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. cot beds for sale instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler cot bed sales. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed 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 design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.