How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby cots on sale's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best baby cots crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be 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, 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 certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand 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 can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best cots have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier 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 level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier cot for sale parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.