The 10 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. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, Best Cots Uk and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

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 other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

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

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler cheap cot bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.