The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (Full Content)

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot beds cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes 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 a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended cribs to select a crib that has been tested and Mini cot Beds certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

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 easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top ranked cribs choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and 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 government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.