The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights tots and cots a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs cots and tots other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. 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, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

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

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib sets is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or Recommended Cribs (see this site) lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape 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 appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and 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 more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to come. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.