The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can 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. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't buy or Cheap baby cots buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for best cot beds reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, Cot sets like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable cot for sale babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good cribs crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.