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 can be difficult to choose the best cots crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby cots on sale. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.