The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best cot bed Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most recommended cribs important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has 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 arranging your crib for your child. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as 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 that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and cheap cot beds the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

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

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more 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 number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using 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. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

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

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making 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. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler cot bed sales, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking 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.