The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

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

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe 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.

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

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable Best cot for newborn babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that 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's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her Baby Crib slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler cheap cot bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.