The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best cot bed infant cribs (click the next document)

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert 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 stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe Baby Cot which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move. 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 issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice 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, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.