The 10 Scariest 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. But picking out a good crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery cots. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, cot for sale or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best cot bed-rated cribs available, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can 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 utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and 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 are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.