The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local 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 durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good cribs fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or cots 4 Tots lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best crib for newborn-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. For example, it can 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 womb-like environment for your Baby beds. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the 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 the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.