The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, cheap cots dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs (Git.chuk.dev) are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and Best Infant Cribs other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your cheap baby cots.

The slats on your crib 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. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Don't buy or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and 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 features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will 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, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important cots to tots find one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

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 full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.