The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your Baby Cot Bed's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cots cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, Great crib since their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all 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. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the 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 durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant cot bed grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to buy one 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 beds have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

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