The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. 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 also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

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. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

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

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, 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 toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed 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 organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her cheap baby cots for sale did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. 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 has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, best cot beds (www.escape-room.com) the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be 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 longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.