The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby cots on sale.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds for sale.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good cribs condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design 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 small parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.