The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your Baby Crib's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. 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. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and cots offers state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

It's best crib for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance 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 alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last 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 up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and calm 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 from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.