How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your cheap baby cots for sale's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, great Crib dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or best cot newborn clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually 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 a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.