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.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot newborn cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations cot beds for sale structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand Cot Bed Sales with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like Best cot for newborn have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby cot online slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler'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 replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.