The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a secondhand crib that has 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 many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

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

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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 child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

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

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top rated cots cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.