The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and security concerns.

Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. 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 shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.

It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.

Style

There are a variety of different designs of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that friends and family can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease 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 mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed after your best baby cots outgrows it. It is an excellent idea to select the crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best baby cots-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other recommended cribs, however it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

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

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a full-size bed.

Our top pick for a 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 to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of 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 to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes 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 of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.