The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby which could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with 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 be tough and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

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

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this cot bed sales is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's best 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 it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best crib for newborn-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features make up for it. For example, 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 environment that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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 Mini Cot Bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.