How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other 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 become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has 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 appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good cribs shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed 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 adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last for cots Offers a long time.