How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery cots. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or Online cots - https://peatix.Com/user/24086035, CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your cheap baby cots grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to 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 be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.