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. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe tots and cots should be avoided. 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 only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other picks.

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 a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best cots uk-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.