The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your Baby Cot Bed and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any 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 could be at risk. Don't buy 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 must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

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

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this cot bed sales is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs beds. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery cots.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

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

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size 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 great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.