The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and 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. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

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

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

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

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good cribs crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features to make up for the cost. For example, it can be converted 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 an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, why not try these out,, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as 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 purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.