How to Choose the best infant cribs (More Support)

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most recommended cribs stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local 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 certifications!) They're also designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.

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

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your cheap baby cots for sale is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick 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 full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery cots's decor.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.