The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

A crib is among the most essential items for your baby’s nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a sleek design that complements your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is important to not place any items in the crib of your baby that could cause injury or harm such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn’t be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or be trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal, state and local requirements for structural safety. Furthermore, they’re tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they’ll continue to grow with your child.

It’s crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, no matter if you’re buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.

The slats on your crib should be 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 secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any loose or damaged components.

It’s also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Finally, don’t purchase or buy a secondhand crib that has 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 must meet strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren’t safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.

A crib isn’t intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It’s only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also put a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.

Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It’s a classy crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It has only three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It’s also not as durable as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson’s all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 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, that it’s more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is important that the mattress on your baby’s crib is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn’t able to climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is no longer in the crib. It’s also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified 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 chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester said that her child did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it’s easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.

The only drawback to this crib is it doesn’t have mattress, which you’ll have to purchase separately. But it’s a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child’s needs from a newborn to a toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren’t within reach of Baby.

In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to do it yourself, and doesn’t require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually clear and easy to follow.

A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it’s important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to an infant’s bed, and then a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It’s designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery’s theme.

Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of 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 missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable crib that will last.