The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. 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. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

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

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe cheap baby cots for sale, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or best crib for newborn suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. 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 chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple 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 models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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 that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable cots crib that will last.