The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as 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 shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cots cribs beds for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's best infant cribs to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think 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.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or Great Crib finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has 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 most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into 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, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.