The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (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 important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

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

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety may 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 security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends tots and cots family can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can 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 allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top rated cots-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size Mini Cot Bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

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

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.