The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. 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 positioning 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 in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant recommended cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended cribs 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, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and best cot bed stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a cots 4 tots-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.