The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

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. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. 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 that are larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your Baby beds.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler Cot Bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability 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 also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. 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. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.