The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows tots and cots sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. 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 certifications!). They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or baby cots on sale children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, 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, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good cribs condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say 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 crucial to 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 top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet cot for sale those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and 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 that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.