The 10 Most 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 can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler small cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or Baby Cot Online suffocation.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. 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 is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it 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 appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by 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 instructions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small cot beds hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for quality and comes 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 of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.