The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, Best infant cribs with no dangling or cribs chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cot bed cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow 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 can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, like 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 finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's important to know that this Cot Bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their baby slept well and that the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). 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 are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.