How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby cots on sale.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's ar also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can 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 things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, Baby Cots On Sale then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery cots's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.