The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. 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 you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out 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. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped 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 any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or affordable Cots clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best crib newborn are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or cot Sale toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. 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 includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent 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 suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. 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 chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.