How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

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

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

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some 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, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love Baby beds outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. 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 the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby cot online slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as 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 the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's cot bed sales, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.