How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your cheap baby cots. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding 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 designed cots to tots be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not 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 intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs beds have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

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

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most recommended cribs cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later 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 with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.