How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards tots and cots includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your cheap baby cots's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

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

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant cot bed grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a 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 design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.