The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different styles and security concerns.

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

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can create serious risks for your baby.

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

It's best rated cribs to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Finally, don't purchase or buy an older crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any Baby Crib product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. 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 is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

Our favorite 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, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as 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 an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.