The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best crib for newborn infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

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

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great crib. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space 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 some of our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of options to make up the price. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

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

Our favorite 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 then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that petite parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality affordable crib that will last.