The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs; click for info,

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery cots of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good cribs shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring 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 usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs 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 designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.