The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib for newborn crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

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 avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

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

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's also a good cribs idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as 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 to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

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

Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also 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, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cot newborn cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for quality, and comes 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 far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.