The 10 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 a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and Cots Offers hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this Mini Cot Bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

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

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can easily be converted into a toddler bed or Best cots bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs 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 cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib sets with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's 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 for the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.