How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to 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 bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best baby cots cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best cots to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy 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

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and Baby Beds make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good cribs crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended for you to choose a crib which 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 ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your cheap baby cots for sale. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that 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 create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.