The 10 Most Terrifying 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 overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your cheap baby cots should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half 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 concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. 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 note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with 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 recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one test subject said that their cheap baby cots slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, cheap cot Beds which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

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

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and baby Crib (arcdog.com) full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.