The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your Baby beds's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as 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 slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also 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 adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is best cot newborn to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best cot bed are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed 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 chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux 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 expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses 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 an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.