The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with 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 the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot newborn cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by 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 differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights 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 intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or Crib sets even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.