The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best cot for newborn infant cribs (get redirected here)

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards tots and cots has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs 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 different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs beds feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib sets is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.