The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best cot bed infant cribs (news)

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, 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. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. 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 also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly 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.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years tots and cots later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.