The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the best crib for newborn Infant Cribs

The crib is an extremely important piece for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many different designs and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or get stuck within them. They may also be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cots cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.

It's also recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.

Style

There are many variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or spaced closer apart, while others have a real impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features, like drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and cots to tots wheels/casters are desirable for many 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 put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best crib for newborn combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.

A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to 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 daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's an excellent idea to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of finishes or chemicals.

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

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move around. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This is a chic design to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.

In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.

It is crucial to choose a crib that lasts for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can work from infancy all the way to an adult bed and then a larger bed.

Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a good option for those looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.