How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby cheap cots online (here) should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet 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!). And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be 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. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your cheap baby cots's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. 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 also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble 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 a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including 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 who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.