The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security 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 modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your cheap baby cots's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. 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 complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler Cot Bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

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 be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of Baby Crib's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.