The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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 be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your Baby beds and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended cots to tots stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

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

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your Baby beds. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. 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 assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

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

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking 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 for a long time.