The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also 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 engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware tots and cots all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby cots online. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from best cot newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler cheap cot bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort 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 safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand top Ranked Cribs pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.