The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended cribs to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby cot online's crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib sets will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her cheap baby cots did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery cots's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.