The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

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

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety might be at risk. 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 must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe tots and cots should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs beds, but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible 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 pick 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 is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib sets is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.