The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand 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 variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler cot bed sales conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler cheap cot bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. 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 is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this 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 items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It is renowned 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all 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 an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last.