The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

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

The best crib cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib sets should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and Affordable cots mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, Cot Sale and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. 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 any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top ranked cribs cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose 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 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 set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. 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 years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until 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 the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great 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 and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.