The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most recommended cribs important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart and others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull 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 within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for cribs Beds infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you 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 up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant Cot Bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort 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 protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.