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. It isn't easy to pick the best crib sets, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs [Resource] that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top rated cots-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler Mini Cot Bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of baby cot online.

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

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.