The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (click to read)

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

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also 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 crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

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

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

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

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any cheap baby cots for sale product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, 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 shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely secured cots and tots out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality cots and tots environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.