How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cots cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, good cribs it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended cribs to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best rated cribs cribs for cheap Cots infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known 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 government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.