The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cots uk cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding 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're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve 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 alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and Mini Cot Bed requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. For example, it can 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 comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is cots to tots assemble. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

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