The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're designed to be durable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and the hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended for you to choose a crib which 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 that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

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

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last.