The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming 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 parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

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 child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations 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 last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together 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 are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe Baby Cot which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea 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 ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user reported that her Baby Crib slept well in it and was still 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 gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a full-size best cot bed.

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 for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.