How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your Baby Cot Bed's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within 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 adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and 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, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many 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 recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like Best cot for newborn are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. 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 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 chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden 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 also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs beds have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of baby cots on sale.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick 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 a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.