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The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.

Choose cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.

Safety

When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your baby that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets as well as 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 that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can expand with your child.

It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.

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

It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or buy an older crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer than others, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.

One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from family and friends when you need one.

Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. It has only three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.

The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend after her second child was born.

Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.

The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You'll have to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.

We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.

A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will 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 an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to 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 toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.