The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (www.themirch.com)

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 security concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of 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 a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe 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 is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your cheap baby cots. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

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

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

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

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and Baby Cot Bed comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small cot beds to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.