The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery cots. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state standards 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 tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety may 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 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib 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. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization 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 minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-best rated cribs cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

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

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

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

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.