The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (right here)

The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your child that could potentially cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best recommended cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and are adaptable, so they can grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken parts.

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are just aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like drop sides and finials, 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 be aware of is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is 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 by converting it with a separate kit.

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of recommended cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. 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 one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features to make up for the price. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The most secure cribs are free of 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 decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby's reach.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a large amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to an adult bed and then 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 early years and later converted into a toddler Cot Bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery's theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.