The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your Baby Cot should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. 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 crib for newborn cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this Cot Bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and 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 will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger 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 converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built 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 stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.