The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best cots for newborns infant cot bed Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, 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 a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

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

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery cots design theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.