Best Infant Cribs: 11 Thing You've Forgotten To Do

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best cots crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your Baby Crib's crib. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, Online cots (https://wifidb.science/wiki/ten_best_cots_for_newborns_that_will_actually_improve_your_life) so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present 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, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of cheap baby cots for sale's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

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

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.