How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be 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 comply with strict federal and state regulations 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 last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or Baby cot online used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certie, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides 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 friend for good cribs her second Baby beds.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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 cots on sale. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last cots and tots comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from 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's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.