Keep An Eye On This: How Best Infant Cribs Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best cots crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no 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 check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended cribs to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your Baby Cot sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib sets are smaller than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.