The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest 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 arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

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

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed 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 include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden 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 higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of 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 protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have slats or Cot Beds railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization 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 has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-best rated cribs cribs beds. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy 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 a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one 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 components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger 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 fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality cots and tots environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.