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The 10 Most Scariest 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. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby’s crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows 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 sleep in your baby’s crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they’re tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they’ll grow with your child.

No matter if you’re buying new or used, it’s important to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib’s slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don’t purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren’t safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn’t designed to be used for toys or clothes. It’s intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and it’s able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it’s not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It’s also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. 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

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It’s also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it’s simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn’t have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It’s a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It’s also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn’t come with an additional mattress, which you’ll need to purchase separately. It’s a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby’s reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn’t require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It’s designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery’s theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a 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 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, and it’s constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.