The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby cot online that 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). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cot newborn cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

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

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important cots to tots remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top ranked cribs options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also a good idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as 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 style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cots cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

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

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 exceeds government standards 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 looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.