The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure cots to tots adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this Mini Cot Bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also 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 used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to 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 a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. most recommended cribs parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then 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 theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. 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 buy separately. This is a great crib option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.