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 cots. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs cots and tots other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and Cot sale GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.