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 select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also 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 adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous 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 crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best cot newborn are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs beds are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape 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 style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long 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 generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.