The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish 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 the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

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

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as 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 options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or Baby Cot Bed becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's Best cot for newborn to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child 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.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or 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 like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery cots.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.