The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (Telegra official)

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any 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 buy a second-hand crib with an incline 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, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your Baby Cot which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea to pick 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 which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and best rated cribs the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch 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 sets that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, 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 missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.