The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (188.68.40.103)

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep 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 baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for mini cot beds more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

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

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. 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 a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal cots and tots GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with 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 only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For Best Cot Bed longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm 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 it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.