How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand best rated cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and cot sales drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, good cribs [goto.Baza.Drom.ru] minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.