The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of 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 for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and Infant Cot Bed frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct 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 also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and 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 child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. 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.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top ranked cribs cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used cots to tots replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.