The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Infant Cribs

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

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

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

The best crib newborn cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be 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. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it 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 note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. 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 protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has 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 only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or 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 generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.