The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling 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 setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot newborn cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant cot bed to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant cot bed bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.