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. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs (try these out) with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height cots and tots wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child 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's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping 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 complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed 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 an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top rated cots infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs 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 built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery cots's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort 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, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.