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. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to last and are flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for Online Cots babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots picks and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This best crib for newborn 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 exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.