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 ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot bed cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position 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 mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top rated cots infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.