How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your Baby Cot should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cot newborn cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate 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 occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best crib for newborn-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes 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 surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable cots crib that will last.