The 10 Most Terrifying 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 can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no dangling or chewable parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.

It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your Baby beds which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler mini cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select 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 ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any complicated pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of features to make up for the price. It can easily be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.

The only downside to 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 grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small cot beds feet can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and Baby Cot Online JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.