The 10 Most Terrifying 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. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). 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 stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best baby cots cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see Baby Crib which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, Best Cots - Maps.Google.Com.Sa - and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great crib option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.