The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best baby cots infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, Cots offers JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. 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 variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your Baby beds grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that 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 transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say 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 crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud crib sets which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.