The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby’s crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby’s nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Additionally, they’re third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They’re also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you’re buying new or used, it’s crucial to select a crib that meets today’s rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib’s slats should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don’t buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren’t safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels–are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn’t designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It’s intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It’s also an excellent idea to include the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It’s also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a chic option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up 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 modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It’s important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

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

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It is recommended to pick a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the baby’s sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it’s easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn’t have any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It’s a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.

The only issue with this crib is it doesn’t have mattress, which you’ll have to purchase separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No dangling or chewable parts

The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby’s reach.

We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn’t require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to be. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child’s life all the way to the toddler bed, and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It’s designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.