The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential cots to tots stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on 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 should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. 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 consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top ranked cribs choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually 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 into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.