The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby cot online's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. 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. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cots for newborns cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged 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 also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more 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 less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby cot online's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most recommended cribs cribs, but it is durable and has numerous features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, 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 an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.