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. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow 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 use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler Mini Cot Bed tots and cots daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for 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 levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, Top Rated Cots one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement 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 are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.