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 designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

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 essential to not place any items in the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, 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 certifications!). They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib 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 must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any loose or broken parts.

It's best baby cots to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. In the end, it's a good cribs idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of features that make up the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. 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 constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.