The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most recommended cribs important pieces for your Baby Cot's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs [Find Out More] are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed 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. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however one tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler cheap cot 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 more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that 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 cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.