The 10 Scariest 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. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.

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

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or Baby Crib accept a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best cot newborn are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted 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 chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the right level. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should 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 come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization 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 has simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. 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.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making 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, so petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.