The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (click home page)

The crib is a very crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top ranked cribs picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and 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 assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot 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.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult Mini Cot Bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top ranked cribs choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery cots'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 that small parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.