The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cot bed cribs (recommended)

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also 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 your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good cribs shape when she gave it to a friend for her second Baby beds.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their 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 decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

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, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.