The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery cots. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used 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 so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is also a good idea to pick the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best rated cribs-rated cribs beds on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine 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 harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.