How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your cheap baby cots for sale is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler cot bed sales or daybed after your Baby Cot Bed outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cot bed-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the 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 a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.