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 can be difficult to choose the best baby cots crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best baby cots cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements 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 are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's best crib to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your Baby Cot Bed, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn 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 a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.