How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as durable as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

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

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within cheap baby cots for sale's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, cots to tots and tots (http://xojh.cn) and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.