The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

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

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents find important. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended to select a crib which has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top ranked cribs cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could snag off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's important to find one that will last cot for sale years to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and 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 government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.