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. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby cot online's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

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

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design tots and cots doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the 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 friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to buy 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 something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety 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 gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

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