The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with 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 must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include 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 are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best cots for newborns are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with 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 only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's Cot Bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and Baby Cots On Sale phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.