The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects 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. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be durable 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 brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer apart and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and Cot For Sale use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended 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 that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler Cot 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 a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable cots crib that will last.