The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). 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 can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also 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 comply with 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 certifications!). And they are designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other options.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware tots and cots all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to 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 the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby cots on sale's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, 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 like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.