The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your Baby beds that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

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

It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept an older crib sets that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that friends and family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top rated cots options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. 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 one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have 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 slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

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 other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs (cacklehub.com), we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or 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 easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from 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 missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.