The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and recommended cribs the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

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

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and isn't as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your cheap baby cots is the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary 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. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow 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 over or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed 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 the bassinet in the early months, then 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 your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.