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. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your cheap baby cots and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs beds that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best cots have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good cribs fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable 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 enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. 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 still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

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

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cot bed cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

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