The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also 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 assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your cheap baby cots. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet 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 certifications!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase 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

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. 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 aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your Baby Crib grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed cot beds for sale the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.