The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It is recommended cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant cot bed sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and 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 used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top pick for a cots 4 tots-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 built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.