How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most recommended cribs important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs cots and tots safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party cot for sale quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous options to make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top rated cots infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.