The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, cribs stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

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

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are popular with parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and Baby Cot Bed toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor baby cot bed (49.51.81.43) space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other options.

Another option with a modern aesthetic 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 a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching 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

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It is recommended to select a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top infant cribs. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to be able to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and comes in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available 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 harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, 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 an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.