The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler Mini Cot Bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means 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 baby cots-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top ranked cribs pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.