The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib sets is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed 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 meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of 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 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. 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 consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your Baby Cot grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your Baby Crib outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with 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's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.