The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best rated cribs infant cribs (Read Full Report)

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

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe 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.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler Cot Bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. For Mini Cot Bed instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch 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 secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. 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.

Our top choice for a 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 bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. 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 government safety standards, including 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 high-quality, affordable crib that will last.