The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby cots on sale's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, 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 larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cot beds cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to 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 certs!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs beds that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others 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, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is 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

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.