The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that complements your style.

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 your baby's crib which could cause injury or best baby cots harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or get trapped in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best infant cribs cribs beds for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged 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 worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features to make up for the price. It is able to be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging 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 ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear cots and tots easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our top pick 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 to a toddler bed daybed, or Cot Sales a full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.