The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek 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. 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. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, tots and cots other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local 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 certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's important 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 the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib sets to operate and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a 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

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most recommended cribs cribs, but it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great crib option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.