The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or Best Crib for newborn injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is best cot bed to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. 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 and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant cot bed to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull off the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.