The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. It is important 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 sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and cot for Sale allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler cheap cot bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up 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 has a canopy that can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top ranked cribs choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.