How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced 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. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for Cot Sale infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect 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. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the Best cot for newborn-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs cot for sale infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger Mini Cot Bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to 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 safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.