The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece 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 has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for Great Crib more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as 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

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or Small Cot Beds a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can 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 hanging components. Babies love to grab things, Affordable Cots; new content from Historydb, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made 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 that is missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.