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, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot beds 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 standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, like 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.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best cot beds have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and baby cot bed comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of cheap baby cots for sale.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.