The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best cots for newborns cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have 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 are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with 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 a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating 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 grows. A 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's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of recommended cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and cheap Cots environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including 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 are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.