How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby cots online (www.cots4Tots.co.uk)'s nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed 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 comply with strict federal and state standards 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 last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted 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 used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

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

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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 later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, 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 surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.