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. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling cots and tots positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or get trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It is essential to select a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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 should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry cots to tots ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best 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 essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's recommended to pick a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your Baby Crib's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available 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 is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.