How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due cots to tots age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively cot for sale sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't 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 enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching 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

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of 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 suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for Good Cribs many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last cot for sale many years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.