How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best cots for newborns crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. 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 shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. 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 cot for newborn infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are 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 a place where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list so that your family and friends can pitch in to help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half of the alternatives and Baby Cot Bed isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third-party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together and has a simple design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than other models. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cot bed cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors that make 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 with small hands to reach their child and calm their child. 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, and it's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.