The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (news)

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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 larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best cots for newborns are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler Cot Bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other options.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top rated cots cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.