The 10 Most Terrifying 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. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given so many designs and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib sets. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.

The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.

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

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer than others, while others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs have more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as durable as our other choices.

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

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child was comfortable in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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 touch in any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make 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 an hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size Mini Cot Bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to calm them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.