The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or Baby beds harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs (Recommended Reading) are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler cheap cot bed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. 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 no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs beds. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. most recommended cribs parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.