How to Choose the best rated cribs Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your Baby Cot Bed 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 toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs; visit this weblink, that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler Mini Cot Bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices 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 at the correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of 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 more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed cot beds for sale the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for best Cot newborn 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 exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.