The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby cots on sale. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements 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 also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's also a good idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended 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 the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended cribs to select 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 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 complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for Cots To Tots, Git.Parat.Swiss, her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery cots.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly tots and cots not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as 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 like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.