How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most recommended cribs important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and Crib sets other toxic chemicals. They also comply with 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 certs!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

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

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

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

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure 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 no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top ranked cribs-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs cot beds for sale babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small cot beds to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed 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 missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.