The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations 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 reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is 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 casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for Best crib For Newborn any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well 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 levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top rated cots selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler Mini Cot Bed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select 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 that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and 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 child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this 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 decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last cot beds for sale years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.