The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as 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 should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed 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 a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden cots 4 tots in 1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the 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 mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. most recommended cribs good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than the other models. However, one tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has numerous options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs beds. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine 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 all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.