The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set 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 blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (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.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs - Resource - can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

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

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby cot online product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery cots. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. 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

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on 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 contemporary appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.