The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs beds have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top rated cots options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler small cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs 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 great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, cheap baby cots for sale and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.