The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best rated cribs infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

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

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top rated cots cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top rated cots cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small cot beds to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.