The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and Cots 4 Tots state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed 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 an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and Best Crib Newborn it has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib sets that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last for a long time.