The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

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

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 avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy 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 variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby cot online, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby cots on sale. This is a chic design to any nursery.

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

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed cot for sale the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, 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 government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.