The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby’s nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles and security concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they’re tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They’re also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

No matter if you’re buying new or used, it’s important to choose a crib that is in line with today’s rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

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

It’s best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Finally, don’t purchase or accept a second-hand crib with the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you’ll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It’s only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It’s also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that friends and family can help you get one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine fashion and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it’s able to convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs sport a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It’s also not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson’s mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It’s also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It’s worth noting, though it’s more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential 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 can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.

A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It’s also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby’s crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it’s easy to assemble, with a straightforward layout that doesn’t contain any complicated pieces or parts. The crib’s sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby’s reach.

In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. The crib should be easy enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or spending a long amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it is essential to choose one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child’s life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a large bed. It’s designed to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with the theme of your nursery’s decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.