The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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 should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we like best rated cribs are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso 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 of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top rated cots-quality, affordable crib that will last.