The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide 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 assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept 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

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also include the crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, Cot Sales minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as durable as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cots cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy 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 during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.