The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be 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 the crib of your baby which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your Baby beds and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best crib cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has the 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 design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When 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 could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-best rated cribs cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for a long time to be. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant cot bed bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It is well-known 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.