The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best crib for newborn infant cribs, More suggestions,

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, Mini Cotbed and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your cheap baby cots's crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot beds cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along 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. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

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

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow tots and cots make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and 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 are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.