The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and 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 bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby 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 comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or Top Ranked cribs used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting 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's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's 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.

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery cots spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby cot online's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it 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 space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes 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 gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.