How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets 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. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may 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 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, Mini Cotbed and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs (www.Metooo.co.Uk) will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler Mini Cot Bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. 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 is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. For example, 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your Baby Cot. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top pick cot for sale a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size Mini Cot Bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.