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. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects 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. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best crib combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and isn't as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended to pick a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes 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 easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb 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 have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's Mini Cot Bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for best Cot bed finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.