How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs<br /><br />The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.<br /><br />Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.<br /><br />The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.<br /><br />It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.<br /><br />The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.<br /><br />It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.<br /><br />Style<br /><br /><br /><br />While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.<br /><br />A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.<br /><br />Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.<br /><br />Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.<br /><br />The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised higher 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 know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.<br /><br />Adjustable Mattress Height<br /><br />It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.<br /><br />A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.<br /><br />The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby 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.<br /><br />Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.<br /><br />This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.<br /><br />No Chewable or Dangling Parts<br /><br />The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.<br /><br />In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.<br /><br />A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/">best cots</a> is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.<br /><br />Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.<br /><br />This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.<br /><br />