The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have 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 have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is 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 protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or affordable Cots lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.