The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best infant cribs (our homepage)

A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.

Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.

The best cot bed cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). And they are designed to last and are adaptable, so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.

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

It's best crib for newborn to avoid cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their safety could be at risk. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.

Style

There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.

A crib isn't designed to be used as a place 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 to ensure that family and friends can help you purchase one when the time comes.

Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as durable as our other picks.

Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's 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 picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is the right height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your Baby Crib from overheating or suffocating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however, one user stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs beds but its durability and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also 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 more like a womb for your baby. It's also an elegant touch 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 will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could snag on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so petite parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.