The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (listen to this podcast)

The crib sets is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

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 stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for Crib Sets any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love Best cot for newborn 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 think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended cribs to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of 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's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features that make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. 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, and 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 such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.