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 isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements 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're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider 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 available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your Baby beds is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and Cot sale comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.