The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could fall between your baby's 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 and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The crib sets's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, cots and tots the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a good cribs reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies 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 who are seeking a top rated cots-quality, affordable crib that will last.