How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cot bed cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for 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 designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, Sale cot making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested 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 ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the price. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead cots and tots phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.