How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib sets should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and Cot sale (www.google.com.co) reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby cot online from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your Baby Crib and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase 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 are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler Mini Cot Bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances 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 a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.