How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby cot online.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's best cot beds to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last best cots for newborns many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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 converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, most recommended cribs or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort 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 of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.