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 a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib cot beds for sale your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby 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 once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery Cots.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cot beds infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant'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, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size cheap cot bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.