The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best baby cots crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting 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 is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top rated cots choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler cot bed sales when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the 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 decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

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