The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, cot sales toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or 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 comply with strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's best cot newborn to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs - click for info, will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your cheap baby cots is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive 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 is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice 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 larger cheap cot bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.