The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local 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 convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security might be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart or not, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used only for infant cot bed sleep and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. most recommended cribs good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to pick a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib, it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best cots for newborns cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows petite parents to reach their child and calm 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 made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.