How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and best cots for newborns convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for 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 that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best baby cots to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. 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 also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and Affordable Cots comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within baby cots on sale's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.