The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child’s crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby’s crib. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They’re also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.

It’s crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you’re purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.

The crib’s slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It’s an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Finally, don’t purchase or accept an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren’t safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn’t designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It’s only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It’s also a good idea to put the crib on your list so that friends and family can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Some cribs sport a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three mattress levels, which is half the competition’s number. It’s also not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It’s GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It’s important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the mattress on your baby’s crib is the right height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It is recommended to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure there are no harmful chemical or other finishes in your baby’s sleep space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn’t have complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It’s a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it’s easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It’s also an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattress. You’ll have to buy one separately. But it’s a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child 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 pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren’t within reach of Baby.

We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it’s crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler’s bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It’s built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it with your nursery’s design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.