How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must cot for sale any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. 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 many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies 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 know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs (learn more) will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cot newborn-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. 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.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself, Best Cots and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.