The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby’s nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different styles and safety concerns.

Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings 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 crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby’s nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, local and state standards for structural safety. Additionally, they’re third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They’re also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.

If you’re buying a new crib or used, it’s important to select a crib that is in line with today’s rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It’s also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety might be at risk. Don’t buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer apart or not, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren’t safe and should not be used and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It’s only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. It’s also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time arrives.

Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and it’s not as sturdy as our other options.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It’s important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby’s crib is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn’t able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It’s an excellent idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby’s sleeping space.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs on the market, and it’s simple to put together and features a simple layout that doesn’t contain any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models however, one user stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It’s a bit more costly than other cribs, however it is durable and has a number of features that make up the cost. It can easily be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The crib doesn’t come with mattresses. You will need to buy one separately. It’s a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Parts

The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren’t within reach of Baby.

We also examine how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.

It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It’s designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with your nursery’s theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and comfort 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 it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.