How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best cots for newborns crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. 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 cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best cot beds to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has 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 lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights cots and tots wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around 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 be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. 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 your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your cheap baby cots for sale. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery cots.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins 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 is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.