The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (page)

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The Best cot for newborn cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place 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 registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

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 when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's recommended cribs to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, tots and cots it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most recommended cribs new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

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, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.