The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your Baby Cot and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib sets's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further 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 not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a 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's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult cot bed sales, and later a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size cheap cot bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another great option 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 reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.