The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib for newborn crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek 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 crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could slide between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot beds cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together, 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 not be used. Other features, like the 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 designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler small cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able cots to tots make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes 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 toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.