The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your Baby Cot Bed. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good cribs idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. 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 ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and Cheap baby cots for sale includes an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal tots and cots GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, 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 safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.