How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your cheap baby cots's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and baby cots On Sale the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety could be compromised. 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 meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best crib combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's best 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 your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your Baby Cot. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery cots.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.