The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (website link)

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

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

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or cribs broken components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has a drop 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 have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

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

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant 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. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

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 a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult cot bed sales and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.