How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent 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 not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 cot for sale safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months tots and cots the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and cots 4 tots are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances 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 lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.