How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed cots to tots be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best baby cots combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby cot online, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet tots and cots has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.