How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your Baby Cot. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, 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. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery cots. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your Baby beds should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet 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 certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free 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 confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

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

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.