The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, 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 shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby cot online and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or cot beds used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and Best Infant Cribs shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. 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 enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

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

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like 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 who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.