How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs<br /><br />A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.<br /><br />Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.<br /><br />The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.<br /><br />It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. <a href="https://scarfdegree0.bravejournal.net/seven-explanations-on-why-cot-bed-is-so-important">cheap cot bed</a> may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.<br /><br />The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.<br /><br />It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.<br /><br />Style<br /><br />There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.<br /><br />A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.<br /><br />Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.<br /><br />Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.<br /><br />The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.<br /><br />Adjustable Mattress Height<br /><br />It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.<br /><br />A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.<br /><br />The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after 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 appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth 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 more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.openlearning.com/u/simonhamilton-skr8cr/blog/WatchOutWhatCotBedsIsTakingOverAndWhatToDoAboutIt">cheap cot bed</a> doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.<br /><br />No Chewable or Dangling Parts<br /><br />The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.<br /><br />We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.<br /><br />It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.<br /><br />The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.<br /><br />Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.<br /><br />This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.<br /><br />