The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby cots on sale's crib. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken 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. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best cot beds combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your cheap baby cots from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly 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 is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. 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 good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.