The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your cheap baby cots for sale's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets cots and tots sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). 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 be caught 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 meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

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

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-best rated cribs cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second Baby Cot.

Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a 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 excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.