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. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best crib to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep great crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that 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 that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white 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 far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great crib choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.