How to Choose the best infant cribs (Git.bclark.Net)

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken in 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 regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy 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 security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve 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 makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats 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 the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and cots offers has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or Baby beds dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it cots to tots your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes 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 of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. 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 who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.