The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to 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 that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped 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 adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

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

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and Cots Offers it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and cheap cot beds For Sale (Maps.Google.Fr) comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, 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 exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great crib choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.