The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib newborn crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. 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 get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your Baby beds.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib sets that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs beds available and infant cot Bed it's easy to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

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

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.