The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher position to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary 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

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is also a good idea to select a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, cots to tots making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable 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 decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or Baby Cot bed toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed 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 an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small cot beds hands to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.