The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish 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. 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. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs (Penelopetessuti post to a company blog) are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

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

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

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger Cot Bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation 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 of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.