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. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure 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 crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It's Best cot for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe Baby beds, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised 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 mattress. It's important to note that this Mini Cot Bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to 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 early months and then transformed into an infant cot bed bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.