How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can grow 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 could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be convs. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and Cheap cot beds not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and tots and cots is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed 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 missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.