How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your cheap baby cots for sale. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations cot for sale structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and Cot Bed family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like Best cot for newborn combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice 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 has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is 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. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.