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. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

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

The slats of your crib should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

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. Don't buy or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended 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 help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other options.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your 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 aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your Baby Cot from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. 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 minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models, but one parent tester said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib 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 need to be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for many years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

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