The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is crucial to not place any items in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals 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. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local 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 are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.

If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib 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 must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be compromised. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important 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 dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.

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

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.