The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

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

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea for you to choose 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 ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however 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 also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

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's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and 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 standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great crib option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.