How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot beds infant cribs (atavi.com) are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery cots spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe 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 is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler'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 in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe 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 protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.