The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby 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 sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be no 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 also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with 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 than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials cots and tots drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended cribs to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can easily be transformed into an infant cot bed sales or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small cot beds feet can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality, affordable cots crib that will last.