The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or be trapped in them. They could also be taken in 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, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (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 is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, 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. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. 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).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options, and it's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said 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 great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, 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 a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into an infant cot bed bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality, affordable cots crib that will last for a long time.