How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items 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 shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your cheap baby cots for sale's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options, tots and cots it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see Baby Crib, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby cot online is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still 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 has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top choice 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, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.