The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with numerous styles and Small cot Beds safety 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 modern design that complements your style.

Safety

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

The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) And they are designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could pose serious risks to your baby.

The crib's slats should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.

It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.

Style

There are a variety of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not an area to store clothes or toys. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than the smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler cot beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great option. It has an oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with numerous options to make up the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.

This crib does not come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from newborn to toddler.

No dangling or chewable components.

The most secure 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 a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, tots and cots later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.