How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could 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 and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, cots To tots (bitsch-estes-2.blogbright.Net) while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and 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 picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's best cots for newborns to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs beds. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. 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 missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.