The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best crib newborn infant cribs (xs.Xylvip.com)

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially 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). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters 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 a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best cots for newborns combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than 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 aspect for new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up 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 into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.