The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your Baby Cot. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

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 the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between recommended cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler cheap cot bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's 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 it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself cots and tots doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.