How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, 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 be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby cots online, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is most recommended cribs to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best cots uk-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size Mini Cot Bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead cots and tots phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.