How to Choose the Best infant cribs (Pickett-Winkel-2.federatedjournals.Com)

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and Baby cots Online hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include 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 shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. 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 see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after 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's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can, cot sales for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually 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 a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.