The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cots cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

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

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

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

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. 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 remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your cheap baby cots's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was 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 fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs beds do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger Cot Bed.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.