The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also 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 and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. 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 height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs beds, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, great crib (https://ask.mgbg7b3bdcu.net/) which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items 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 that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last cot beds for sale years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

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