The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (google.St)

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. 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 you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options tots and cots isn't as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most recommended cribs cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, tots and cots the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top rated cots choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.