How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable 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. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best cot bed combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's 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 enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top rated cots choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which 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 that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cots uk-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

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 pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items tots and cots aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top rated cots infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

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

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation 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 toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.