The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib sets make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby 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). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib newborn 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 for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be 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

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler cheap cot bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary 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 has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. 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 examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. most recommended cribs parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler Cot Bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.