The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand top rated cots cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs (visit the next post) are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, Crib sets they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and mini Cotbed finally 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 a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small cot beds feet can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.