How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet 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 reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It's best cot newborn to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby cot online product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that 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 that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for 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. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery cots's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe 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 for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.