The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for 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 easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cot bed cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick the 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, Baby Crib however it's durable and comes with many options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of baby cots on sale.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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 larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe 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 from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, cribs beds, stevenson-rush.hubstack.net, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.