The 10 Most 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. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

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

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't buy or accept 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 have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. 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 hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child 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 infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization to ensure 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best cots for newborns-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features that make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler cheap cot bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later converted into a toddler Cot Bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.