The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most recommended cribs important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. 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 could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for 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 also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

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, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization 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 free 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 sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most recommended cribs cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it 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.