The 10 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. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your Baby Cot Bed's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies 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 a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose 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 use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. 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

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or Mini Cot Bed parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

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

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are 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 that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually 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 top rated cots - http://avtoworld.lv/user/botanydelete43/ - a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great 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. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.