The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (More hints)

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial 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 sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your Baby Cot Bed.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional 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 stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which creates 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. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed cots to tots last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.