How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your Baby Crib. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for 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 designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, cot for Sale like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best cots uk combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your Baby Cot Bed from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

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

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later 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 beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.