The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs 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 tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats 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. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety could be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs 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 have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for 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. It's also recommended cribs to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and Crib Sets, Git.Inteli-Lab.Com, stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and cots offers requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes 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 the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.