How to Choose the best infant cot bed cribs [click here!]
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task particularly with the number of various styles and security concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We recommend a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in 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 are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or get stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The most 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 and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, as their security could be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the competition's number. It's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child 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. It is an excellent idea for you to choose the crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs available, and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than most cribs however one tester said that her child slept well in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed and has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For longevity, opt for an adjustable crib that will work from infancy all the way up to an adult bed and then a larger Cot 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 a toddler cheap cot bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile to ensure that small parents can reach their child and calm them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable cots, high-quality crib that will last.