The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to 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 be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your Baby Cot Bed.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top rated cots choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's best infant cribs to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and out of cheap baby cots for sale's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top rated cots cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.