How to Choose the Best Baby Cots Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding 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 also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended cots to tots avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best crib have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature 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 space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. 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
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed 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 certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
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's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great crib option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding 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 also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also recommended cots to tots avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best crib have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature 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 space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. 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
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed 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 certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.
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's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great crib option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.