10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes 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. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be 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 secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options, and Cot Sales it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby cots on sale, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs (Google official blog) will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the Baby Cot's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. 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.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.