How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging 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 the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and 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 get stuck between your baby cots on sale and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local 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 certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be 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. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and best cot bed shapes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for cheap Cot bed babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and Cots offers the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

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

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant Mini Cot Bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.