The 10 Most Terrifying 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 ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be taken up 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 comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged 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 choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby cots on sale sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also Best cot for newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult 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 then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it cots to tots the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand Small cot Beds pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.