How to Choose the best infant cribs, www.cots4tots.co.uk,

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern 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 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to 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 certifications!). They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is 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 with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see 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 between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes 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, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.