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 crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with 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 be durable and adaptable, so they can 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 lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however 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 a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this cheap cot bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which 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 after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested tots and cots approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of 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.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's Cot 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 for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry 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 surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.