The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy 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 prevent children from being wedged 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 to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it takes up more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or Cot Beds slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been tested and certified 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 a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

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

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble a modern crib, recommended cribs and the directions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great crib choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in white, cherry 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 surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable cots crib that will last.