How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of 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 cot beds for sale any broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth cots to tots 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified 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 that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

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

Our top pick for a cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

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