The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most recommended cribs essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby cots online's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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 bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could 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, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best cot bed combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a 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 height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most recommended cribs cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a 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 a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler Mini Cot Bed and finally a larger 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, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the 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 option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.