How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cots uk cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles 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 consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more 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 other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, 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 vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise 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 once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler cheap cot bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your cheap baby cots. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized 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 usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small cot beds parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

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