The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.

Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially 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 sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding 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 tots and cots reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

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

It is best rated cribs to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential 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, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has numerous options to make up the price. It can easily be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch 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 can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and 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 put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself and best Cots doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted 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 that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.