The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. 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 crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It is an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside 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 can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant cot bed to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to put together our top infant recommended cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.