The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (More suggestions)

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping 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 blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby cots on sale should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your cheap baby cots and the crib sets bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and Great Crib state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose 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 an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is recommended to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for 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 style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has many features to make up for the price. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size cheap cot bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

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

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