The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to not place any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your Baby Crib and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, infant cot bed humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. 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 coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to pick a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.

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 a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it simple to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the 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 a great option for those who are looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.