The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

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

The best infant cribs (visit this link) are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant 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. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best crib newborn are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential 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 sold separately).

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

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's recommended to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the cost. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery cots.

This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow 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 components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler Cot Bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great crib choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.