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. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are 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 an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler Cot Bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half 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. 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 be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher 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 the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. For example, it can be converted 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 has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's Cot Bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time 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 gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.