The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best infant cribs (Marvelvsdc says)
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given so many styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most recommended cribs suitable 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 standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Examine the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their safety might have been compromised. Don't buy or buy a secondhand 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 must adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just 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 maintain and use. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best crib combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. In the end, it's recommended to select 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 the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models, but one parent tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it and remained in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or a toddler bed, and it has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to the toddler bed, and then a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm their child. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last for a long time.
