How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your cheap baby cots for sale's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and Nursery Cots it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition 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 bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is cots to tots set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 harmful substances 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. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.