The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

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

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security might have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or spaced closer together, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters popular with parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler cheap cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It is an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been certified and tested 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 that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features to make up for the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

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

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

Our top ranked cribs choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size Cot Bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white espresso, 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 standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.