The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could potentially cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.

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

If you’re buying a new crib or used, it’s crucial to choose cribs that meet today’s rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious dangers to your baby.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security 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 reasons of safety.

Style

There are many design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to maintain and use. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren’t safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It’s also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.

Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives, and it’s not as durable as our other choices.

Another option that has a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It’s GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It’s worth noting, though it’s more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child can’t climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it’s a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby’s crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has simple design and doesn’t have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second child.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It’s a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features are worth it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

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

No Chewable or Dangling Parts

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to ensure that the items are securely attached and are out of Baby’s reach.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn’t require any special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.

A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, which is why it’s important to find one that will last for a long time to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It’s made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe 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. It’s constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.