How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be 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 your baby cots online's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cot newborn cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best cot beds to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. 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 chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.