The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cot newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs beds can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It's best cot newborn to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

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 be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. 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 is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose 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's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. 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 safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.