How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your Baby Cot Bed's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep 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 become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, cot Bed and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

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

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby cots online is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed 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 that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.