The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot beds cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, Baby Crib meaning they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, Tots And Cots which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for affordable cots safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for Mini cotbed your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then 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 for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.