How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, Best Crib local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as 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 a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which 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 are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has modern 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 a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cots-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby Cot's reach.

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

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

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.