The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for 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 essential to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats 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 secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs - click here for more info - that were used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see Baby Cot Bed which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to pick 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top ranked cribs-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester 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 was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. For Crib Sets example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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 womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.