The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best cots infant cribs (nativ.media)

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best cot newborn crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It is best cot bed to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe 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 they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily 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 a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. 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 like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.