The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with 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 suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

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

The slats of your crib should be spaced 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 secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib sets is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you 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, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler small cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby cots on sale.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, 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 standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.