The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (he said)

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items 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 fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant 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 and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is 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 sold separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your 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 who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need to purchase 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 most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. 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 pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant cot bed bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.