The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could pose serious risks to your Baby beds.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your Baby Cot from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved 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 that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter 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 relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the price. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant cot bed to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are 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 set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into a toddler's Mini Cot Bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.