The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for your baby's nursery cots. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as durable as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes 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 converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib sets is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.