How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

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

The best crib cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local 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!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended for you to choose a crib that is tested and tots And cots certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby cot online sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has 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 tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick 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 designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.