The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs [Recommended Looking at]

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, Cot sets stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or become trapped in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and Cot sales requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs beds are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of cheap baby cots.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life 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 for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to touch their child and comfort their child. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.