How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your Baby Cot Bed's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby cots online and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place 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 are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. 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 many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and affordable Cots are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet cot for sale those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for cheap cot beds (find out here) quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards 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 for a long time.