The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery cots. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed 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, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable 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 the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best cot beds combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user 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 great option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than other cribs beds, however it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then 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 that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort 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, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.