How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best cot newborn crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your Baby Crib's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or Cots And Tots spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best cots uk combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or cots to tots lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look 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 can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.