The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping 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 your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 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, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for Best cots safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential cot for sale any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this 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 decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead cots and tots phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.