How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby cots on sale's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby cot online should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, Best Infant Cribs like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and best infant cribs toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy 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 be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and Cots and tots birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs beds that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.