The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your cheap baby cots's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get 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 meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best cots have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed tots and cots daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a 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 do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and Best Infant Cribs easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

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

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for Best Infant Cribs those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.