How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby cots on sale's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your cheap baby cots for sale sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. 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 attached and out of baby's reach.

We also consider 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. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later 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 a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.