How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. 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 appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. 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 chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and www.cots4tots.co.uk easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later 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, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe 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 of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.