The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek 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 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys 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 larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, best cot beds like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. 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 important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib sets 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 the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby Cot Bed.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.