The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant cot bed sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and cots 4 tots it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been 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 in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of baby cots online.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and Cot Sales comfort their child. It is renowned 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 the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable cots crib that will last.