The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and 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 larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best crib newborn cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It's best cot beds to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. For instance, it can 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 also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from best infant cribs to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last for a long time.