The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, best infant cribs and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best crib to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and Mini Cot Bed all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, tots and cots was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your best baby cots. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and Best Infant Cribs comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then a larger cot bed sales.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and 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 of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.