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 right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern 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 stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, 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 that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby cots online. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no 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. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best baby cots have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. 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 grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this Mini Cot Bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib which is 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 make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant Cot Bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and 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 that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.