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How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best baby cots cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant cot bed to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. 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.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger 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 into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.