The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your Baby Crib should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best recommended cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

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

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, Cheap Cot Beds it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed tots and cots then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.