The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your Baby Cot Bed's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet 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 prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. 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

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. 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 casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the other options 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 all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included 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. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It can, for instance, 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 a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's Mini Cot Bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top ranked cribs pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, online Cots which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.