The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

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

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

It's also wise to avoid using cribs that have been used by children or pets, since their safety could be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. 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 a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer than others and others have an impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. 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 consider important. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler cheap cot bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into the toddler cheap cot bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the price. It can be easily transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels to make it easy to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.

Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for its quality, and is available in cherry, white 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 government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.