The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful 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 certifications!) They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The crib's slats should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. It's also a good cribs idea to put the crib on your list so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature 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, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than 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 the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top ranked cribs choices and requires a separate toddler cot bed sales conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's recommended to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, best cot newborn which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can easily be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

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

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. If something is hung over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.

We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.