The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

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

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to last and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs beds, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase 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 alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler Mini Cot Bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs, but one parent tester said that her child was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, Mini Cot Bed they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large 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 excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.