The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your cheap baby cots's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations 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 adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles, Baby Cot Bed but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby cots on sale grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved 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 free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good cribs condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

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

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

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.