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. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek 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. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cot bed cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether 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 dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase 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

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes 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 it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended for you to choose the crib that is tested and certified 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 that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Crib sets Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will 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 it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then an adult-sized cheap cot bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available 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 of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.