How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep cot for sale more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with 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 certs!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

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

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist 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 as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right 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 protect your Cheap Baby Cots For Sale 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 child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated 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 features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler Mini Cot Bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant cot bed to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.