How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

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

It's also wise to avoid using 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 an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease 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, that 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 which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and Best Cot Beds was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your cheap baby cots for sale. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice cot beds for sale convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for Best Infant Cribs finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.