The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially 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 information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards 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 be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have a significant 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 and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs beds sport an older-style 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 and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see Baby Crib, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable cots and built to last for a long time.