The 10 Scariest 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 can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local 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 certificates!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety might be 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 have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. 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 designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It is also a good idea to pick a crib which has been 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant 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 very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cots cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top rated cots pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great crib option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.