Best Infant Cribs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters

How to Choose the best cot bed Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

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

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib 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 adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as 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 baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top rated cots choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler cot bed sales or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

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 have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of 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 are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.