The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your best baby cots's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best crib newborn cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with 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 grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine 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 exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.