The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. 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 other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards cot beds for sale structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier 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 position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for Cots Offers babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your Baby Cot sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib sets is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous 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 also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.