The 10 Most 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. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows 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 easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and 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 is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your Baby Cot Bed grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best cots 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 it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most recommended cribs highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it 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's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant cot bed to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.