The 10 Most Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an crucial piece for your baby’s nursery. It isn’t easy to pick the right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.

Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad selection of mattress heights and a modern design that matches 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 crucial to avoid putting any items in your baby’s crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.

The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They’re also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They’re also designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.

It’s crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you’re buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The slats of your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It’s also a good idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.

It’s best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their security could be at risk. Finally, don’t purchase 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

While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, there are numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren’t safe and should be avoided and others, like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels–are highly sought-after by many parents.

A crib isn’t intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It’s intended to be an area where babies can sleep. It’s also a good idea to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you get one when the time comes.

Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes However, the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it’s able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).

Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It’s a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it takes up more space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition and it’s not as sturdy as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It’s important to note, however, that it’s more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.

A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. Finally, it’s best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby’s crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it’s easy to assemble and features a simple layout that doesn’t contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It’s a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, 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 has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.

The only downside to this crib is it doesn’t have a mattress, which you’ll need to purchase separately. It’s a safe and comfortable crib that will adapt to your child’s needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely secured and are not within Baby’s reach.

We also look at how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to do it yourself, and doesn’t require any special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.

It’s important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an infant’s bed, and then a full-size mattress.

Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to 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.

Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It’s constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that’s missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.