How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best rated cribs infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the //www.cots4tots.co.uk/">I.geocrowd.eu) will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up cot beds for sale it. 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 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 a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or good cribs Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. 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 an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.