The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs > Free Board

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also a good idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, cots and tots if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cot bed cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 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, and a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great crib choice for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.