The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (Click To See More)

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

Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.

Safety

When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed 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 adhere to strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.

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

It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.

Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler cheap cot bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a daybed or toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.

We also consider how it is easy to build our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to an adult cheap cot bed and then a larger bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size Mini Cot Bed. It is designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to your nursery's theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.