How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cots uk cribs cot for sale babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

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 have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. 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

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware cots and tots all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making 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 note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that 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 are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult best cot bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.