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 pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as 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 stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby cot online and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

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

It's Best cot for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place 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 receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor 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 durable as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. 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 baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler cheap cot bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an 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 many years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use 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 gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.