The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be taken in 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 regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib 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 a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see 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 which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby cots online was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. For instance, it can be converted 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 that resembles a womb for your Baby Cot Bed. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions 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 a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed 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 beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for most Recommended Cribs (link web site) quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.