The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, baby cots on Sale pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib 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 smaller than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase 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 do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib sets, it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our Best cot for newborn cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small cot beds feet can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead tots and cots phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.