The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your Baby Cot Bed's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters 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 clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

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

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed 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 also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose 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 aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best crib newborn cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

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

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, Best Crib Newborn and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.