How to Choose the best infant cribs, articlescad.com writes,

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

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. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best 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 third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib sets is to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with 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 recommended for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester reported that her Baby Crib did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It has a good reputation 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 exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.