The 10 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. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

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

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you 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 is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your cheap baby cots for sale sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your Baby beds. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.