The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most recommended cribs essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best cot newborn crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and Cot sets arranging your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most recommended cribs highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it 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. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts cot for sale many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.