The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.

The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along 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 may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose 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 check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.

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

Style

Although all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer together and others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's not as durable as our other picks.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also a good idea to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. 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 finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the price. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels that make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and Baby beds easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, best Crib For newborn a daybed, or a large bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes 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 such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.