The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (why not try these out)

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

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

It is best cots uk to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler Cot Bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance 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 height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and Sale Cot (Techdirt.Stream) it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space 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 come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs beds for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions 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 converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.