The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design cots and tots function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important cots to tots know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery cots's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

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