The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best baby cots Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's best rated cribs to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase 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 ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. 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.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, most recommended Cribs or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.