The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep 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 potentially cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. 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

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this cot bed sales is more expensive than other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is recommended to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your Baby Cot Bed's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was 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 is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.