The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs (Justpin.Date)

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

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

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase 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 level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your Baby Cot Bed sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal cots and tots GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.