The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best cot newborn infant Cribs (bhpz.adj.St)

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery cots spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as durable as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent 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 baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear 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 come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.