The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best cot newborn Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get trapped 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 meet 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 certs!) They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your Baby beds from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for 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 one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most 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 will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then 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, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.