The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your cheap baby cots should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children tots and cots/or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights 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 It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, Best cot for newborn (just click the next post) which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

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

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee 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 among the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, 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 safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.