How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from 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 safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or Cots To tots buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and 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 for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs, Specokraska.Ru, will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it 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 design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate 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 cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as 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 for a long time.